Spend Summer in Ouray Hiking, Jeeping and So Much More

Spend Lazy Days in Our Lovely Locale

Summer activities abound in Ouray. Here summer means excitement and high energy as the mountain passes open up and the rivers and waterfalls start running.

Ouray’s old-fashioned July 4th weekend is the highlight of the summer. Carrying on a 100-plus-year-old tradition, the town puts on a party that includes a traditional parade on Main Street, picnics and the famous Firehose Water Fight. The weekend culminates with a grand Jeep parade down the mountain followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

With over 300 miles of rugged trails, Ouray is the Jeep capital of the world. Many visitors take these roads into the back country to explore the awe-inspiring San Juan mountains and test their off-road driving skills. You can follow the paths of the early miners who came looking for treasure buried in the mountains and visit the ghost towns they left behind. And photographers will love the acres of wildflowers that bloom during July in the upper basins.

But jeeping and taking pictures are only a few of the things to do and see in the San Juans. Miles of trails await both beginning and experienced hikers and mountain bikers. History and railroad buffs will find much to learn at the Ouray County museums. Birders can look for the over 140 species found here, including the rare Black Swift. And fishing, golfing, rafting, shopping, and the Hot Springs Pool all provide hours of relaxation and entertainment.